With China and USMCA Signed, India On Deck

GANDHINAGAR, INDIA – As the United States and India begin the process of increasing trade, the fact that the two countries have been at odds with agricultural issues remains. Just 90 days ago, the U.S. won a case against India at the World Trade Organization (WTO) alleging improper use of export subsidies valued at more than $7 billion (USD). Politico reports that India has rebuffed previous U.S. efforts to expand trade relations, but the two nations have been discussing specific issues for months. In an effort to force the two sides to a negotiation, President Trump directed his administration to revoke a status for India that cuts duties on products from developing nations. Since India sees that program as vital, U.S. negotiators are using it to gain new access for agricultural goods and products from American farmers and ranchers. U.S. Trade Ambassador Robert Lighthizer has scheduled a trip to New Delhi in mid-February and President Trump is expected to visit two weeks later. A new wrinkle may have emerged however as India’s Prime Minister told farmers that he’s taking aggressive action to double their income over the next two years, Addressing the 3rd Global Potato Conclave, he explained steps his administration is taking to promote food processing and value-chain development.